Cotton Fiber Fineness Distributions and Their Effects on the Tenacities of Randomly Sampled HVI Tapered Beards: Linear Density Effects

Abstract

Determining cotton fiber tenacity with high volume instrumentation (HVI) requires an accurate measure of specimen linear density. Indirect measurements of linear density such as light attenuation, by which the Zellweger Uster Spinlab HVI system accom plishes this, require additional knowledge about fiber numbers or fiber fineness, usually by introducing a Micronaire correction factor. The effectiveness of this correction is less applicable than fiber fineness determinations obtained by direct weighing methods. Furthermore, fiber fineness distribution is not accounted for, and this factor may be important to enhanced HVI technology. For purposes of discussion, length-fineness distributions by number count and direct weighing methods have been determined for twenty cotton samples using Suter-Webb sorting techniques. Ramifications of fine ness distributions across length groups on cumulative fiber fineness distribution within a randomly prepared test specimen are presented in the context of breaking load normalization by a fiber fineness indicator.